Game Changers with Molly Fletcher cover image

Game Changers with Molly Fletcher

The Science Behind Smart Failures with Organizational Behavioral Scientist Amy Edmondson

Sep 12, 2024
Amy Edmondson, a Harvard Business School professor and expert in organizational behavior, dives deep into the complexities of failure. She challenges traditional views of failure and introduces the concept of 'intelligent failures' that can lead to growth and innovation. Listeners discover actionable strategies for cultivating a growth mindset, recognizing the types of failures that are beneficial, and fostering a culture of psychological safety in organizations. Edmondson emphasizes curiosity and discipline in personal development, helping us embrace mistakes as learning opportunities.
48:52

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Understanding different types of failure—basic, complex, and intelligent—allows for better navigation of life's challenges and fosters growth.
  • Cultivating a growth mindset encourages individuals to embrace failures as learning opportunities, essential for personal and professional development.

Deep dives

Redefining Failure

Failure is often viewed negatively, but it can be redefined as a catalyst for growth. The discussion highlights the need to understand different types of failure—basic, complex, and intelligent—in order to navigate life's challenges more effectively. Basic failures are easily preventable mistakes, while complex failures arise from multiple unforeseen factors. Intelligent failures, on the other hand, result from thoughtful experiments where the aim is to learn, thus allowing individuals to embrace risks that drive personal and professional growth.

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